Government accused of being “phenomenally complacent” over Volkswagen Emissions Scandal

The Transport Select Committee and consumer groups have accused the government of being “phenomenally complacent” over the Volkswagen Emissions scandal, and have even accused Department for Transport minister, Mr Robert Goodwill, of helping to protect Volkswagen’s reputation.

Both consumer groups and MP’s have criticised government ministers who remain unwilling to say one way or another whether Volkswagen have broken the law. Members said that lawyers acting for VW would be “popping Champaign corks” after Mr Goodwill’s failure to look at a criminal prosecution.

We’re fully aware of our government’s lack of response, and it’s a factor that has angered many of the clients we act for. You may be aware that a deal for compensation has been reached in the U.S. which we believe is largely down to government intervention, where heavy fines have been levied, and deadlines have been put on Volkswagen to act.

Here in the UK its been left to us to fight for victims, so we have initiated court proceedings in the High Court of Justice several months ago. Whilst we recognise that this is a private litigation action, we firmly believe that government intervention in the U.S. has served to speed up their action.

We’re liaising with American lawyers and we’re aware of the levels of fines that have been put on Volkswagen, and the further fines that were threatened if they failed to respond. In the UK the lawyers acting for Volkswagen dispute liability and we have to go through the motions of the court process to keep fighting them.

Whilst we remain confident that we can succeed with our action – which is set to be the biggest the UK has ever seen – it will probably take longer here in the UK in the absence of any ministerial intervention.

In response to questions, Mr Goodwill said: